Denim is a fashion staple. The security blanket of apparel.
Some like their denim worn out, embracing the dirt and grass stains like a badge of honor that washes away after a heavy spin cycle. They pick apart the slightest rip, the tiniest tear, to unveil the skin clothed beneath the reliable, woven fabric. It’s perfect for a cool, fall day of hard labor in the backyard or an evening spent cheering on your local high school football team.
Some keep their jeans pristine, using an iron as the key to unlock a successful outfit; pairing their fit-of-choice with only the most respectable garments and accessories, spending dollars on denim that few can imagine.
And some break the rules.
It’s kind of like that phrase, ”Give someone an inch, and they take a mile.” Denim is kind to us, and you might be surprised to find out the iconic staple doesn’t just bring goodness to the world. Denim, while forever classic, can also become a fashion nightmare.
And every fall, we’re reminded of it as the back-to-school market and fall fashion weeks capitalize on the fan favorite of casual attire. We know history repeats itself, but we also anticipate new spins and variations of popular looks. So that’s why we’re talking fashion.
Over time, some of the hard no’s have become increasingly more accepted and adapted into wearable styles. Let’s see how we can make these stereotypical wrongs right this fall.
1. Wide-leg jeans
Wide leg jeans can be intimidating –a lot of fabric and a lot of flair going on here. The most common reason to avoid this style is, “I’m too short to wear wide leg jeans” or something of the like. Some people also just hate the style. But, wide leg jeans can be flattering on anyone if you grab the right fit and find the details that make the outfit work.
In the examples above, we see a higher waist cut with details that balance out that flowing fabric. If you’re a little more petite, the option on the left is a great way to ease into this style. Cuffing the legs breaks up the look to give you some breathing room while keeping it wide.
Option 2 definitely suits a lengthier figure, and the matching denim belt helps draw your frame in at the waistline. The wide leg works for those who aren’t quite ready to embrace the return of the 70s bellbottom, but rather prefer the resurgence of this unique, vintage twist on denim that can be very figure-flattering.
2. Embroidered denim
This trend is definitely not for the conservative dresser. It’s bold with tons of personality, from the world’s most famous designer tackling the look, to the DIYers out there learning to embroider or add patchwork to their current threads.
Obviously our option on the left fully embraces the detail, style and confidence an embroidered item of clothing can convey. It’s an unforgettable piece that adds flair to any base of an outfit you’ve got on and exists as a statement on its own.
If it’s too much for you out of the starting gate, start with something like what you see on the right –a subtle, feminine way to rock a floral look without going overboard on the girly-ness or overwhelming patterns. It adds color to a traditional denim look that can allow you to accessorize, be matchy-matchy or go your own way.
3. Rips
All puns aside, I’m torn on ripped jeans. It’s been a style that at one point, most everyone adopted with tears both big and small. I think if you’re going to purchase and wear ripped denim, you must commit to the entire look –the rips alone don’t serve as your one-way ticket to style glory.
Both of these looks avoid heavy rips at the knees, which I definitely stand behind. On the left, the tiny rips add some sass but keep your look preppy and fun.
The right is similar, but takes it up just a notch. I like the placement of the rips and the sexy side of showing a little skin up at the top. Paired with the right shoes and top, you can feel good knowing your look can stand out without having rips so large you look like you’ve got on assless chaps.